What is the nurse's first priority action when hearing inspiratory stridor in a 2-year-old patient?

In cases where a 2-year-old patient exhibits inspiratory stridor, which can indicate airway obstruction or significant respiratory distress, the first priority action is to ensure that the airway is clear and the child can breathe effectively. The Heimlich maneuver can be an appropriate response if it's suspected that the stridor is caused by a foreign body obstruction affecting the airway, particularly if the child is displaying signs of choking, such as inability to cough or breathe effectively.

The Heimlich maneuver involves delivering abdominal thrusts to help expel the obstruction, making it a critical intervention in a situation where the airway is compromised. For children, specialized guidelines exist regarding the proper technique to ensure safety while providing necessary assistance.

Other actions, such as telling the patient to cough or performing a blind finger sweep, could potentially worsen the situation or introduce additional risks. Applying a bag valve mask may not be appropriate if the underlying issue is a foreign body in the airway, as it may not address the obstruction directly. Thus, acting swiftly with the Heimlich maneuver is appropriate when a child demonstrates inspiratory stridor, indicating a potential airway emergency.